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Titusville Pennsylania survived for over a century, defined by the endless flock of men filing in and out of the steel mills every day. To provide their families with sustainable income, they committed themselves to the life-threatening conditions that defined steelwork. Through the eyes of these men we see the dreams of thousands of working class citizens whose grueling hours gave shape to modern America after World War II.
For the past four years, photographer Chris Crisman has returned home to photograph the retired steelworkers still living in Titusville. This project is both his perspective on a generation of Americans and a personal discovery of the culture into which Crisman was born and of the industry in which his father and grandfather served.
06/04/09 | .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
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Technology impacts art. Technology shifts aesthetics. Anyone who spends four years artistically interpreting a theme is committed to it. Chris, while your images may not have the feel of traditional documentary that in no way lessens their power. I appreciate your exploration. It is obvious you gave much consideration to each individual. Your approach is definitely different, but obviously a more traditional documentary (b&w;, available light) would not have been an expression of your voice. keep exploring. Very nice project!
05/11/09 | .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
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great work chris, love your style! I really enjoy looking at the people you have worked with, these old, experienced men. wonderful presence.
03/02/09 | .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
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cool images. Though, with the use of lots of Unnatural light combined with the digital feel of them, I am left with a feeling that you are less interested in these men then in your clever interpretation of them in their homes, which definitely come off as rather bizarre. sort of the old wink wink nudge nudge slightly poking fun at sort of images. These are like fun magazine assignment photos as opposed to personal photos. The photographer seems a million miles away from the people in the photos. I am sure that the subjects liked their portraits just fine though. With the ease of modern camera and lighting equipment, one has to try harder to shoot from your gut, your heart. Would like to see what you could do there with b&w;film in a camera, and maybe a tripod. Or rather, what you Would do there. probably something alot more personal in feeling.
08/23/08 | .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Nice photos. I really like the ones where they are looking at the camera - as they are then looking at you, and therefore us, and there’s a stronger feeling of connection to those guys.
06/25/08 | .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Very nice photos, Chris. It’s amazing how fast our past fades away. Too often we don’t think to keep a record of it until it’s too late.
I live in Arizona, but was up that way last month visiting a grandparent. I was mainly around Oil City/Franklin. Was trying to get some old oil equipment photos at Oil Creek State Park but it rained every day.
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